Fremantle Dockers rookie Odin Jones put on inactive list after back surgery, SANFL forwards invited to train

Fremantle have put promising forward Odin Jones on their inactive list and will miss all of next season after having back surgery last month. Jones, 19, underwent spinal surgery after he fell awkwardly in a “freak accident” on the eve of pre-season training, fracturing his vertebrae. The West Australian understands it’s going to be a long recovery for Jones who will have to get through rehab before he can even be considered to play again. It is believed he is out of hospital and recovering at home, having sustained the injury at a friends place. Fremantle executive general manager of football Joe Brierty said the club would continue to support Jones through his recovery. “This is an extremely unfortunate outcome for Odin,” Brierty said. “He’s a popular member of our playing group and we will continue to support him in his recovery every step of the way. “The thoughts of everyone at Fremantle are with Odin and his family at this time.” Jones was taken with pick No.5 in the rookie draft last year and spent most of this season playing for Peel Thunder in the reserves. He made his league debut in round 15, kicking two goals from 10 disposals and played the next six games before being dropped following their first finals loss to Swan Districts. Fremantle have offered SANFL small forwards Isaiah Dudley and Baynen Lowe to train on from Monday with hopes of earning a spot on the list through the pre-season supplemental selection period. Dudley, 21, was a member of Adelaide’s Next Generation Academy but was not drafted in 2021. He’s instead played 38 league games and kicked 32 goals for Central Districts, including 21 goals from 20 games this season. Lowe, 21, has 55 goals in as many games for Norwood, including an impressive three goals from 27 touches and eight clearances against the Crows’ SANFL side in round 14. He was one of the Redlegs’ best in the grand final loss with 23 touches, two goals and eight inside 50s.